Construction of the ship that will elevate the standard for all-inclusive luxury has begun. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Montague, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Executive Vice President of Vessel Operations Robin Lindsay, Regent’s Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Franco Semeraro and Fincantieri’s Shipyard Director Giovanni Stecconi today pressed the button to ignite the cutting torch at Fincantieri Ancona to shape the first plate of steel for Seven Seas Splendor. The new 750-guest ship will join the Regent fleet in early 2020, in pursuit of the ultimate achievement – perfection.

“This is truly an exciting moment for us and we are delighted to work with the skillful engineers of Fincantieri Shipyard to build our new ship that will again raise the standards of luxury for the industry,” said Mr. Montague. “Regent has been committed to delivering the most beautiful destinations with impeccable personalized service aboard elegant and intimately spacious ships for more than 25 years. With the first steel cut for Seven Seas Splendor in Ancona, we are now underway to realizing our plans for the new ship that will perfect luxury.”

The inaugural season for the all-suite, all-balcony ship will go on sale in April. Seven Seas Splendor will join Regent’s most luxurious fleet in the world comprising Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, and Seven Seas Navigator.

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world’s most inclusive luxury experience with a four-ship fleet that visits more than 450 destinations around the world. Seven Seas Mariner’s upcoming 2018 drydock refurbishment will conclude Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ USD$125 million refurbishment program to elevate the elegance of the whole fleet to the standard set by Seven Seas Explorer. In early 2020, Regent will perfect luxury with the launch of Seven Seas Splendor. The cruise line’s fares include all-suite accommodation, the largest collection of free, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited internet access, highly personalised service, exquisite cuisine, fine wines and spirits, prepaid gratuities, ground transfers and one-night, pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher.

For the latest news, please visit www.RSSC.com/news; like the line’s Facebook page; and follow @RegentCruises on Twitter. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH)

About Fincantieri

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and number one by diversification and innovation. It is leader in cruise ship design and construction and a reference player in all high-tech shipbuilding industry’s sectors, from naval to offshore vessels, from high-complexity special vessels and ferries to mega-yachts, ship repairs and conversions, systems and components production and after-sales services.

Headquartered in Trieste (Italy), the Group has built more than 7,000 vessels in over 230 years of maritime history. With more than 19,400 employees, of whom more than 8,200 in Italy, 20 shipyards in 4 continents, today Fincantieri is the leading Western shipbuilder. It has among its clients the major cruise operators, the Italian and the U.S. Navy, in addition to several foreign navies, and it is partner of some of the main European defense companies within supranational programmes.

Coveted Alaska small ship cruises in 2018

Demand Outweighing Supply as the Company Prepares for Another Record-Breaking Season

Bookings have been brisk but highly coveted cabins for small ship cruises in Alaska for the 2018 season are still available on a handful of departures, reports AdventureSmith Explorations, the world’s leading purveyor of small and expedition ship cruises.

By expanding its Alaska inventory of vessels and pushing the season to include departures as early as mid-March, the company is meeting supply and demand challenges that resulted in 2017 Alaska cruise bookings being nearly 50 percent ahead of 2016 totals.

“We’re on track to see exponential growth again for the 2018 sailing season in Alaska,” said Todd Smith, founder and president of AdventureSmith Explorations (https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/). “And getting the earliest jump ever on a future season, we now have 75 percent of our Alaska cruises updated on our website with set schedules, dates and rates for 2019.”

Smith said the reasons people choose to cruise the Alaska coastline haven’t changed since he first worked on small ships here in the late 1990s. The magnets are still glaciers, bears and whales. But guests increasingly want to engage actively on the landscape they’re visiting. And that’s where the demand for small expedition ships comes in.

“Alaska’s fjords, coastlines and coves simply beg to be explored intimately and actively,” said Smith. “The whole point of small expedition ships is their ability to access these pristine natural worlds. Then it’s up to guests to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, hike, fish, mountain bike and river raft, all ways to experience the wilderness, but with the crew of their small ship waiting to welcome them back on board.”

Although historically June to August cruises often sell out nine months in advance, some departures are extending the season with itineraries in March and early April. And there are some vacancies on late summer/early fall itineraries for this year.

Subject to change, here are AdventureSmith’s top picks with space still for 2018.

March 17 is the earliest seasonal start ever. The 10-guest Misty Fjord’s Alaska’s Islands, Whales & Glaciers 6-day cruise signals one of the most dynamic times of the year. As the Pacific herring concentrate in Sitka Sound, humpback whales, eagles and humans alike congregate to enjoy the seasonal wonder of the migration. Many locals prefer this season over any other time of year, with its crisp mornings, lengthening daylight hours and flora and fauna springing to life. The per person double rate is from $3,290.

2019 Islands, Whales & Glaciers departures have already been posted on the AdventureSmith website with a special Early Bird Booking Discount on select cruise dates. Guests can save up to $300 per person in 2019 if booked by April 1, 2018.

Select May departures offer $550 per person savings and there’s still availability in July and August aboard the 12-guest Sea Wolf’s 6-day Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure. The per person double rate is from $4,550.

The Glacier Bay & Island Adventure aboard the 58-guest Admiralty Dream or 74-guest Chichagof Dream is an 8-day itinerary from $3,590 per person double that has space on a range of departures spanning the 2018 season, except in July when the ships are mostly sold out.

On these cruises, the single supplement is waived on select 2018 and 2019 departures (call AdventureSmith for details). Plus, there is an Early Booking Discount of up to $300 per person on select 2019 cruises if booked by April 1, 2018.

July and August departures are available for Inside Passage Catalyst aboard the 12-guest Pacific Catalyst II at per person double rates from $4,250.

A number of ships are offering special deals and promotions for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Click Here for more information.

About AdventureSmith Explorations – Think Outside the Boat!Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.

Royal Caribbean announces multi-billion dollar investment

Royal Caribbean International has announced a multi-billion dollar investment in providing loyal guests and next-generation cruisers advanced, customisable holidays, by introducing a new global private island collection, modernising the fleet to the tune of $900 million and introducing new cutting-edge ships.

In one of the company’s most ambitious projects yet, Royal Caribbean is changing what it means to thrill and chill on holiday with the unveiling of its new Perfect Day Island Collection, a series of exclusive private island destinations around the world.

The first in the collection, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a USD$200 million transformation of the cruise line’s existing private island in The Bahamas, delivering the ultimate family destination in the Caribbean.

Highlights include:

Thrill Waterpark features two brag-worthy water towers with 13 slides – the most slides found in any waterpark in the Caribbean – including the 41-metre-tall Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America. In addition, the waterpark will feature the Caribbean’s largest wave pool and a kid-friendly obstacle course pool.

Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, with a swim-up bar and in-pool loungers.

A 480-metre zip line that crisscrosses the island at up to 15 metres high and features the only water landing in the Caribbean.

A helium balloon, dubbed Up, Up and Away, floats up to 137 metres above the ground, providing the highest vantage point in The Bahamas.

Two specially designed beaches – Chill Island for the ultimate beach escape, complete with pristine, crystal-clear tropical waters and white powder-like sand – and plentiful cabanas and daybeds for relaxation; and the action-packed South Beach with volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer, paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and zorbing in an inflatable zorb ball.

The exclusive Coco Beach Club will offer an upscale island experience that will feature the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean ships departing from the US states of New York, Maryland and Florida will call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, providing guests with holiday adventures like no other in the Caribbean. The island transformation will roll out in phases beginning September 2018 with the completion of a new pier, and by early 2019 the majority of the island’s experiences will be open. Coco Beach Club, the final phase, is set to open November 2019. Additional Perfect Day Island Collection destinations around the globe will be announced at a later date.

“It’s true that our ships are technological and engineering marvels in their own right and offer a multitude of unexpected experiences; but our destinations are an equally important part of the cruise vacation,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are introducing the Perfect Day Island Collection to deliver the most memorable vacation for adventure seekers on land and on board our ships. Once completed Perfect Day at CocoCay will be the ultimate family destination in the Caribbean.”

Royal Amplified Fleet Modernization Will Deliver New Innovations On Every Deck

Adding to recently announced digital innovations, including frictionless check-in, stateroom technology and a new mobile app, the cruise line has committed US$900 million to reimagining its fleet through a new modernszation effort called Royal Amplified. Spanning 10 ships in four years, the program will touch every facet of the guest experience, and introduce a wide range of innovative features and new experiences, including specialised pool spaces, experiential dining and nightlife concepts, and first-of-its-kind attractions like Sky Pad, an out-of-this-world virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience. Royal Amplified reflects the company’s passion for innovation, relentless attention to detail and commitment to delivering the best holiday in the world.

Weekend Getaways Reimagined

Royal Caribbean’s increased popularity among millennials resulted in the cruise line being named “Cruise Line Brand of the Year” in The Harris Poll’s 29th annual EquiTrend Study. This important, rising generation of travellers opts for more frequent and often shorter holidays, and Royal Caribbean is answering that call by amping up its short Caribbean getaways, setting a new industry standard. In summer 2018, Mariner of the Seas will undergo a USD$90 million modernisation adding new thrills, including Sky Pad and glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience; The Bamboo Room, a retro lounge with tiki-chic décor; and the vibrant Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Mariner will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami, Florida.

Sister ship Navigator of the Seas will follow in 2019, and receive an even more extensive modernization before joining Mariner of the Seas to offer short escapes. In 2019, both ships will call extensively on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

New Ships and New Class of Ships on the Horizon

Beginning in April 2018, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Symphony of the Seas, will make waves not only as the world’s largest cruise ship but also as the ultimate family holiday. Symphony brings together a variety of new features, including the Ultimate Family Suit; new dining options – from fresh seafood to Mexican, thrilling entertainment and live-action adventure, such as the epic glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience.

In addition to Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has a robust lineup of new ships on the horizon, including the Quantum Ultra Class Spectrum of the Seas, an evolution of the Quantum Class of ships set to debut in 2019; a second Quantum Ultra Class ship in 2020; a fifth Oasis Class ship in 2021; and a new class known as Icon, with ships delivered in 2022 and 2024, both which will be largely powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cells.

Norwegian Cruise Line invites guests to cruise into March

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering guests another reason to explore new destinations around the world and book their next cruise holiday with US$1 deposits. From 3PM AEDT 15 March to 19 March 2018, guests can take advantage of US$1 deposits when they book a new cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line in a studio, inside, oceanview, balcony or mini-suite category stateroom. This limited time offer is available fleet wide, providing guests the freedom and flexibility to design their perfect cruise getaway. This offer may also be combined with the popular Free at Sea promotion available throughout the month of March.

Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion will be extended through March. This signature value-added offer provides guests who book a new three-day or longer sailing in an oceanview, balcony or mini-suite category stateroom with the opportunity to select their preference of two free choices from five spectacular onboard amenities†, including free beverage package, US$50 towards shore excursions in each port per stateroom, a free specialty dining package, 250 minutes of free WiFi, or Norwegian’s Friends & Family Sail at a reduced rate offer. Inside staterooms, as well as Norwegian’s studio staterooms for solo travellers, can choose from one free offer.

The beautiful state of Hawaii is a cruiser’s paradise and Pride of America is the only ship in the world that can sail an incredible seven-day inter-island itinerary roundtrip from Honolulu year-round. Guests looking to experience over 100 hours in port time and explore the wonders of four different islands can take advantage of Norwegian’s Free at Sea Hawaii offer, which has also been extended through March. Guests who book a new cruise holiday aboard Pride of America, have the freedom to choose from up-to five offers†* to enrich their cruising experience, including a free one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, a free specialty dining package, free pre-paid service charges for the first and second guest in the stateroom, free US$50 per port shore excursion credit per stateroom, or Norwegian’s Friends & Family Sail at a Reduced Rate.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit www.ncl.com; contact us in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or follow us on the following social channels for the latest company news & exclusive content: Facebook, Instagram and Youtube: @NorwegianCruiseLine; Twitter, Periscope and Snapchat: @CruiseNorwegian.

Earlybird offer on 2019 Torres Strait Island cruises

High interest in its new Torres Strait Islands cruises has prompted expedition cruise operator, Ahoy Buccaneers, to offer another five sailings to the remote and rarely visited islands in 2019, with a 10 percent saving available for bookings made on new cruises by April 30, 2018.

The Torres Strait Island cruises are Ahoy Buccaneers’ first foray outside its base in the Kimberly region, with the first five cruises departing in October and November this year.

The five new sailings will explore the southern, emerald islands of the Torres Strait archipelago as well as Cape York – the most northern tip of Australia – from February 25 and also March 4,11,18 and 25 in 2019.

Scattered across a 150km stretch of ocean between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the Torres Strait archipelago is home to stunning, blue waters as well as dugongs, dolphins, giant marlin and sea turtles. The Torres Strait reefs provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, snorkelling, fishing and just marvelling at the beauty of nature.

The low-cost cruise operator’s 19-guest motor yacht, ‘Oceanic’ will take passengers on a round-trip cruise from Horn Island to unique and culturally rich islands where, included in the cost of the cruise, a local guide will each day showcase the diverse history of the Torres Strait Islands. Guests will learn about early indigenous cultures, tales of headhunters and the place – Possession Island, near Cape York, where Captain Cook claimed Australia for England in 1770.

Travellers can also visit the remains of the World War II airbase on Horn Island, which was bombed eight times during the conflict. There will also be the chance to enjoy a beer at Australia’s most northerly pub – the Torres Hotel on Thursday Island. Friday and Wednesday islands are also visited and thee is the chance for guests to try their hand at cray fishing in Torres Strait during the adventure.

The six-night cruises begin and end on Horn Island with guests able to fly there with Qantas on daily flights from Cairns.

Oceanic offers double bed and bunk cabins as well as the unique experience of sleeping under the stars in deluxe swags on deck. The 24m rigged vessel also boasts indoor and outdoor dining areas, two lounges and a deck spa. Fresh and healthy cuisine is prepared by an onboard cook who regularly sources much of the menu from what is caught from the sea each day.

Including the 10 percent discount for bookings made by April 30, 2018, the 2019 Torres Strait island cruises are available from $2520 per person (including for solos) in a swag on the deck and from $3150 per person in a cabin, twin-share. Fares include meals, shore excursions and transfers during the cruise. Flights to Horn Island are additional.

MSC Armonia adds Miami as homeport to Cuba itinerary

MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and leading cruise line in Europe and South America, today announced that, as of 10 December, 2018, MSC Armonia will add Miami to its 7-night Cuba & the Caribbean itinerary and will homeport there alongside MSC Divina and MSC Seaside. With the addition of Miami, guests will be able to enjoy an even richer itinerary across the Caribbean, as well as benefit from more in- and outbound traveling options for their cruise holiday. MSC Cruises will be the only cruise line offering a 7-night programme regularly including two days in Havana, featuring the largest and most modern cruise ships calling Cuba.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, commented: “Miami is known internationally as the “Cruise Capital of the World” and it is often referred to as the world’s leading cruise port as it continues to excel in its principal homeport status with modern passenger terminal facilities, great accommodation options and outstanding end-to-end logistics and supply chain infrastructure. It is a truly exciting destination in itself and guests who visit Miami will enjoy a destination unlike any other, with a dramatic skyline, bustling cultural life, arts, great food, entertainment and so much more, as well as all that the State of Florida and beyond has to offer.”

“Additionally,” added Mr Onorato, “by having Miami as homeport this will give European and international guests an opportunity to add a pre- or post- cruise portion to their land holiday from New York, Orlando or other U.S. cities. Miami also offers a greater array of inbound and outbound options when traveling from within the U.S. or internationally.”

MSC Armonia was the first ship in MSC Cruises’ $250 million Renaissance Programme and has been recently and extensively overhauled, in late 2014. The ship has been tailored with a wide range of amenities and services for families; exquisite, varied dining offerings; outstanding, all-hours entertainment; a broad choice of relaxation and wellness options, and more, all provided with a touch of Mediterranean flair and flavour.

With her new 7-night itinerary, MSC Armonia’s guests will embark in Miami on Mondays, with the ship then calling Montego Bay (Jamaica), Georgetown (Cayman Islands), Cozumel (Mexico) to finally arrive in the Cuban capital on Saturday and stay through to Sunday, before heading back to Florida and Miami. msccruises.com.au

While in Cuba, guests will be able to choose from a broad range of shore experiences rich in cultural and historical discovery. The Caribbean island is a unique cultural hub, offering a distinct combination of traditions thanks to its rich heritage, unique in the region.

Norwegian Bliss begins her conveyance up the Ems River

The sixteenth ship of the Norwegian fleet is on her way to completing another milestone and closer to her delivery on April 19, 2018.

Norwegian Bliss, the first cruise ship custom-built with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruise experience, departed Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany last night local time, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, for her conveyance along the Ems River, and is arriving to Eemshaven, Netherlands tomorrow, Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Norwegian Bliss completed another key milestone with only two months until her highly-anticipated arrival to Seattle, Washington where she will offer seven-day Alaska cruises throughout the North American summer.

“Today marks another historical moment for Norwegian Bliss, the most highly anticipated ship of the Norwegian Breakaway Plus class, the most successful class of our company’s history” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “When she arrives into Seattle in June, guests will be excited to experience many new first-at-sea activities, including the largest two-level race track at sea, new dining experiences, such as Q Texas Smokehouse and Coco’s a chocolate and treat shop, the Tony Award®-Winning Broadway Show Jersey Boys and much more for guests to explore.”

Measuring 303 metres long, 41 metres wide, and at a gross registered tonnage of 168,028, she embarked on her journey down the Ems River and up to the North Sea in reverse, making the narrow passage through Meyer Werft’s sea lock, with less than 1.2 metres clearance. This very careful manoeuvre took about two hours at a speed of only 0.2 knots. The precise navigation included a team of experienced Ems River pilots, navigation officers, the yard captain and the local German waterway authorities.

After passing through the sea lock, Norwegian Bliss continued along the river stern first, which helps with the manoeuvrability of the ship and is a key component when navigating her through such narrow passages. Her journey to Eemshaven includes cruising through the narrow passages of the Friesenbrücke Bridge in Weener; Jann Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

When she arrives to Eemshaven, she will take on additional provisions and crew members, before heading toward the North Sea for technical and nautical sea trials. This will be one of the final phases, before Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of their sixteenth ship on April 19, 2018 in Bremerhaven, Germany. Norwegian Bliss will then begin her passage across the Atlantic Ocean on April 21 and will arrive to the US on May 3, where she will begin her inaugural tour, the most extensive of any ship in Norwegian Cruise Line history. Events will take place in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, and then will conclude with a christening ceremony on May 30 at the new Pier 66 at the Port of Seattle in Washington State, followed by her inaugural cruise.

Following the preview events and christening, Norwegian Bliss will offer cruises to Alaska beginning June 2. She will spend her Northern Hemisphere summer sailing seven-day cruises to Alaska, and North American autumn season cruising to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. In the North American winter of 2018 she will sail to the Caribbean from Miami, and in the 2019 Northern Hemisphere autumn/winter season she will cruise from New York City to Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

To learn more about Norwegian Bliss, please visit www.bliss.ncl.com. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit www.ncl.com, contact the brands dedicated local contact centre in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or follow us on the following social channels for the latest company news & exclusive content: Facebook, Instagram and Youtube: @NorwegianCruiseLine; Twitter, Periscope and Snapchat: @CruiseNorwegian.

Pearl Seas Cruises’ complimentary pre-cruise packages

Pearl Seas Cruises is pleased to offer complimentary pre-cruise packages for new bookings on Fall 2018 Cuba sailings from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The complimentary package includes a one-night premium hotel stay in Ft. Lauderdale and transportation to the ship. Currently, the Line also has savings of up to $3,000 off per stateroom on select Fall 2018 sailings and is waiving port charges and fees. The 11-night Cuba Cultural Voyages are scheduled November through December 2018, with additional sailings in 2019. All cruises are round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale and recent Spring testimonials have been resoundingly positive.

Pearl Seas Cruises is one of the only lines that circumnavigates Cuba and offers 2 days to enjoy historic Havana. The 11-night Cuba Cultural Voyage stops in Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Casilda, El Cobre, and Santiago de Cuba. Pearl Mist guests experience an all-inclusive cruise with onboard lecturers and experts, guided shore excursions, excellent cuisine, cocktails every evening, and beer and wine served with lunch and dinner.

Pearl Mist’s 11-night Cuba Cultural Voyage follows a “people-to-people” cultural exchange program during which guests engage directly with the warm Cuban people at each port. Pearl Mist passengers have the opportunity to meet local musicians, historians, and artists; experience Havana in a classic American car; enjoy a pottery demonstration in Trinidad; and take a guided excursion in Cojimar, the fishing village that inspired Ernest Hemingway’s famous novel The Old Man and the Sea.

About Pearl Seas Cruises:

Pearl Seas Cruises provides an intimate cruising experience and highly personalized service on its 210-passenger ship, Pearl Mist. The Line offers unique itineraries to the Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway, The Great Lakes, New England, and Cuba. To learn more about Pearl Seas, visit www.pearlseascruises.com or call 800-983-7462.

Biggest ever promotional visit to Australia by Adventure Canada

The most extensive-ever promotional visit to Australia this month by eco-cruise company, Adventure Canada, attracted more than 400 travel agents and 300 of their clients across the country.

To launch its new 2019-20 brochure, in partnership with its Australian representative, Cruise Traveller, Adventure Canada hosted seven Arctic expedition information events in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast from March 5-13, 2018 as well as private sessions with other agent partners around Australia.

Adventure Canada this year enters its fourth decade of offering expedition cruises to some of the world’s wildest and most remote destinations including Scotland, Iceland, Ireland, Newfoundland, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic and the legendary Northwest Passage aboard its 198-passenger expedition ship, Ocean Endeavour.

Sunsail announces a new Korčula Flotilla route in Croatia

Croatia is one of the hottest destinations for those who enjoy yachting. So join the in crowd on a Sunsail flotilla setting sail from the Ombla River for the striking islands of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county, gliding through deep, clean blue water.

Join our new Korčula flotilla route, follow in the footsteps of famous explorers and discover a sociable adventure in stunning southern Dalmatia.

Experience the magnificent beauty and unique tidal lakes of Mljet National Park, or catch the sun on Lumbarda beach. Enjoy a perfect combination of line-of-sight sailing and short island hops. The Sunsail flotilla is best suited to families or couples, given the social aspect, and also for less confident sailors perhaps taking their first self-skippered charter in Europe.

Highlights of your trip will include superb sailing conditions combined with plentiful scenic anchorages, historic sites, charming sleepy fishing villages and cosmopolitan towns. With the sound of cicadas filling the air, sail your yacht to Kobas Stonski Canal and up the narrow inlet between densely-wooded hillsides to the picturesque cove of Kobas, a perfect overnight anchorage. Arrive early to make sure you get a space on the jetty and something to eat at Kobas’ only restaurant!

Make like a beach bum on your yacht charter to Lumbarda Korcula – the beaches here at Lumbarda on the Adriatic island of Korcula are said to be amongst the best in Croatia. When you’ve had enough swimming and sunbathing, head for a local konoba for some delicious rustic food and a few glasses of local wine.

From Pomena you’re just a 15-minute walk from the two spectacular saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park. Swim in the lakes then stroll along the pleasant, shaded paths that encircle them. Catch the boat at Malo Jezero to the 12th century monastery on Sveta Marija Island.The quiet fishing village of Prožurska Luka is wonderful to stop for a bite to eat. Anchor in the peaceful waters and enjoy a picnic on the beach shaded by dense pine trees.